S.C. records first flu death of the season

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South Carolina has recorded its first flu-associated death of the season, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

DHEC said Thursday that an individual in the Upstate died from complications of the flu.

“Unfortunately, we see many deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications of flu each year in South Carolina," Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and DHEC’s director of the bureau of communicable disease prevention and control, said in a news release. “The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, and DHEC urges everyone 6 months and older to be vaccinated each season.”

Those at high risk of complications include young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart or lung disease.

In addition to receiving an annual flu vaccine, people are encouraged to limit contact with others when they are sick; cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and wash their hands often with soap and water.

Flu vaccines can be scheduled at a DHEC health department clinic online or by calling 855-472-3432. Other vaccine providers can also be found online.